As freezing temperatures gripped San Jose, advocates from the Unhoused Response Group and GRACE rallied together to provide vital support to those struggling on the streets. Robert Gilman, a long-time advocate with firsthand experience of being unhoused during the winter months, joined forces with Shaunn Cartwright and his team as they distributed cold-weather gear at various homeless encampments.
The effort was met with overwhelming gratitude from those who benefited from the initiative, including Derek Smith, who has been homeless for nearly a decade. "It warms my heart to the core that they take their free time to come out here," he said, visibly moved by the gesture of kindness.
Meanwhile, HomeFirst operates two overnight warming centers in San Jose, which are already at capacity with a waiting list of those seeking refuge from the cold. However, chief operating officer Bea Ramos assured that no one will be turned away due to the county's commitment to providing shelter for all.
Not everyone is satisfied with this provision, though. Shaunn Cartwright, another advocate, expressed frustration with the lack of warming centers in the city, citing San Jose's substantial size as a reason for greater support. "It's a shame that the city only supports having only two warming locations – it's just not enough," he said.
As temperatures continue to plummet, Charles Harris, Senior Public Information Officer with the Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Management, urged residents to sign up for AlertSCC and check in on vulnerable family members. He also encouraged community members to donate or purchase cold-weather gear for Unhoused Response Group.
For Robert Gilman, passing out jackets and other essential items has become a regular routine. Though he feels stressed about the welfare of others when he's warm while they're not, his efforts are a testament to the power of compassion in the face of adversity. As the winter months unfold, it remains to be seen how the community will come together to address the issue of homelessness and provide support to those who need it most.
The effort was met with overwhelming gratitude from those who benefited from the initiative, including Derek Smith, who has been homeless for nearly a decade. "It warms my heart to the core that they take their free time to come out here," he said, visibly moved by the gesture of kindness.
Meanwhile, HomeFirst operates two overnight warming centers in San Jose, which are already at capacity with a waiting list of those seeking refuge from the cold. However, chief operating officer Bea Ramos assured that no one will be turned away due to the county's commitment to providing shelter for all.
Not everyone is satisfied with this provision, though. Shaunn Cartwright, another advocate, expressed frustration with the lack of warming centers in the city, citing San Jose's substantial size as a reason for greater support. "It's a shame that the city only supports having only two warming locations – it's just not enough," he said.
As temperatures continue to plummet, Charles Harris, Senior Public Information Officer with the Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Management, urged residents to sign up for AlertSCC and check in on vulnerable family members. He also encouraged community members to donate or purchase cold-weather gear for Unhoused Response Group.
For Robert Gilman, passing out jackets and other essential items has become a regular routine. Though he feels stressed about the welfare of others when he's warm while they're not, his efforts are a testament to the power of compassion in the face of adversity. As the winter months unfold, it remains to be seen how the community will come together to address the issue of homelessness and provide support to those who need it most.
I feel kinda bad for people struggling on the streets, especially during these freezing temps 
. It's great that groups like Unhoused Response Group & GRACE are stepping up with warm gear & supplies! Robert Gilman's dedication is really inspiring 
. But honestly, 2 warming centers in a city of over 1 million ppl seems kinda low 
. I think we should aim to do more to support our unhoused friends. Maybe something like a community-wide drive or even some gov't initiatives could help. We gotta work together to make San Jose (and cities everywhere) a safer, warmer place for everyone 
I mean think about it, ppl can just move to other neighborhoods that got nothin goin on but like, some 2nd ward or whatever. And what's up wit all these advocates? They're basically just makin donations and expect everyone else 2 take care of homeless problem. Like, where r the solutions?
! It's amazing to see people coming together like this, especially with Robert Gilman sharing his personal experience to help others struggling on the streets 
. But still, two warming locations just doesn't seem enough for a city as big as San Jose... Interesting 
They should be able to afford more shelters or something. And yeah I know some people are saying no one will be turned away but what if they can't get there in time? What if its a super cold night and they're left out on the streets? Just saying... 
on the streets! I mean, can you even imagine having to deal with freezing temps for a decade like Derek Smith did? 
And Shaunn Cartwright's point about there only being two warming centers in San Jose is valid, tbh... it just doesn't seem enough considering how big the city is 
! We should all be supporting these advocates & donating what we can to help those in need 
seeing people like Derek Smith struggling for so long on the streets during freezing temps, but at the same time its amazing to see groups like Unhoused Response Group & GRACE doing everything they can to help. Imo we gotta think bigger than just 2 warming centers in San Jose, considering how big the city is. We need more support and resources to tackle this issue head-on. Maybe gov't or city officials could look into building more shelters or investing in affordable housing projects? Its all about compassion & community coming together. I mean Robert Gilman's work with Unhoused Response Group is a great example of that. He's giving up his time to help others when he could be relaxing at home with a warm cuppa 
️, and that takes a lot of courage.
. Like, how can we not have more warming centers? It's just basic human decency 
. And I know the Unhoused Response Group and GRACE are doing their best, but it's just not enough 
. We need to come together as a community to support those in need. Maybe we can even start a petition or something 
. Anyone with me? 
... I think what's really important here is that we're starting to see a shift in the way people are thinking about homelessness - as a community problem that requires collective solutions 
.
. We need to be thinking about how we can scale up support for everyone who needs it. And what really gets me is that some folks are still struggling with the basics - Derek Smith has been on the streets for nearly a decade, and he's still waiting in line for a warm place to go 
. I mean, come on, cant we get some more resources or something? Its not like they're asking for the moon here 
. And whats with the waiting list at HomeFirst? That just makes me wanna cry 
. Some people might say hes being dramatic but let me tell you, seeing ppl struggling like that just makes u want to do somethin about it 
u know? robert gilman and his team literally put in time & effort 2 distribute cold-weather gear but they still dont have enough warming centers 
2 handle the problem its like san jose is trying to help but its just not enuf 
Like, two warming centers might not even scratch the surface of what's needed for a city as big as San Jose... 
And what about the people who can't even get to those centers because they're too far away or have no access to transportation? 
That's just not fair... 
This isn't even a permanent solution or anything... 
It's just Band-Aid-ing the problem... 
[Distracted Cat] When you know you're doing something right 
[Arthur's Fist](https://10.giphy.com/E6s4G8xKz3WgE/giphy.gif) Warming centers are just the beginning!
[Handshake] Community support is key to solving homelessness 
, who thought that was a good idea? At least the Unhoused Response Group and GRACE are out there trying to make a difference 
. But seriously, it's just so frustrating when we know we can do better but nobody seems to be holding anyone accountable 
especially with how big san jose is 
I feel so bad for people like Derek Smith, been out there on the streets for 9 years, can't imagine having to experience that kinda cold 
, every little bit counts 
it's so heartwarming 2 see people makin moves 2 make a diff! 
but at the same time i think its awesome that groups like unhoused response group & grace are stepping up to help